Price on application
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A Finely Carved Boni Neck-Rest.
Superb dark colour and patination through extended use.
Wood.
Somalia.
19th Century.
PROVENANCE:
Susan Montiel-Colmenares, London, circa 1970.
Ex Private collection.
EXHIBITED:
BRUNEAF, Bruxelles, Belgium ‘La tête dans les étoiles’. Appuis-nuque d'Afrique et d’ailleurs’, 6 - 10 June 2012.
CF:
Pierre Loos, Bayet et Caltaux, ‘La tête dans les étoiles. Appuis-Nuque d’Afrique et d’ailleurs’, BRUNEAF, 2012: pg. 101.
These headrests are used by nomadic Somali men and women in southern Somalia and north-eastern Kenya. The male type, as in this fine old example, have a relatively small base and are therefore unstable, making deep undisturbed sleep difficult, and enhancing the men’s vigilance in the night. The women’s type have a more stable base.
The extensive Islamic influence in the region is reflected in the guilloche patterning carved on the sides of the headrest which ensures God’s protection for the sleeper.
Dimensions
18.5cm high, 15.5cm wide - 7¼ ins high, 6 ins wideThe BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
